Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a chlorine (Cl) atom have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which element has exactly 6 valence electrons and the lowest atomic mass among such elements?
A
Oxygen (O)
B
Selenium (Se)
C
Sulfur (S)
D
Tellurium (Te)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the group in the periodic table that contains elements with exactly 6 valence electrons. These elements belong to Group 16, also known as the chalcogens.
List the elements given in the problem and confirm that they all belong to Group 16: Oxygen (O), Sulfur (S), Selenium (Se), and Tellurium (Te).
Recall that atomic mass generally increases as you move down a group in the periodic table because each successive element has more protons and neutrons in its nucleus.
Compare the atomic masses of the given elements: Oxygen has the lowest atomic mass, followed by Sulfur, Selenium, and Tellurium.
Conclude that the element with exactly 6 valence electrons and the lowest atomic mass among the options is Oxygen (O).
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